Understanding Impeachment

Send us Fan MailThis is a discussion of the history and logic of impeachment.   What did our founders have in mind when they wrote of "high crimes"?  What do the concepts of Contract Theory of Government and "we the people" tell us?  Is the President subject to the law the way other citizens are?  Is there such a thing as "absolute Immunity," as Donald Trump said?  Is the president just like Louis XIV "except four years at a time," as Richard Nixon said? Can a President be sued while in office?  Or even arrested for shooting someone?  Can a president be impeached for being honest and well-meaning but totally incompetent?  We will look at four cases, the non-impeachment of John Tyler, the impeachment and trial of Andrew Johnson, the  likely impeachment of Richard Nixon, and the impeachment and trial of Bill Clinton?  Should we think of TWO people in the Oval Office, Mr. President and Mr. Citizen?  If Mr. President uses his office to help Mr. Citizen (for example during a re-election campaign) would that be abuse of power?Thanks to G. Kevin Dewey for writing the theme music, "Taking Stock." Thoughtful comments are welcome:  [email protected]